The Cryosphere

The cryosphere refers to all the frozen parts of the Earth's surface, including glaciers, ice caps, sea ice, snow cover, and permafrost. It plays a crucial role in regulating the planet’s climate by reflecting sunlight and storing massive amounts of freshwater. The cryosphere is sensitive to climate change; as global temperatures rise, ice is melting and shrinking, which affects sea levels, ecosystems, and weather patterns. Understanding the cryosphere is essential for studying how our climate is evolving and predicting future environmental impacts.